|
Happy New Year, District 11!
I hope you had a wonderful and restful holiday season surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. As we turn the calendar to 2026, I find myself reflecting on the strength of our community and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for us all.
The arrival of a new year always brings a unique sense of renewal and hope. It is a natural time to set our sights on growth, and I’d like to share the resolutions that will be guiding my focus over the coming months—both personally and for District 11.
My personal resolution for 2026 is to prioritize my overall mental and physical well-being. I believe that to serve you effectively, I must ensure I am operating at my best. Taking the time for health and balance allows me to bring more energy and clarity to the work we do at City Hall. I encourage you all to find a little time for your own self-care this year as well!
When it comes to our District, I have set three goals to improve and protect of our neighborhoods:
• Addressing Nuisance Properties: These sites affect property values and public safety. I will work closely with city departments to ensure they are brought up to standard.
• Encouraging Infill Development: I want to see vacant properties transformed into productive spaces. By focusing on smart infill development, we can strengthen our tax base and revitalize underutilized areas in our community.
• Expanding Parks and Green Space: Nature is vital for any thriving neighborhood. I will work with the Park Department to identify properties to acquire or repurpose as outdoor community spaces.
I am honored to represent District 11 and am eager to get to work on these initiatives. However, I cannot do it without your eyes and ears on the ground. If you have a property of concern or a suggestion for a new green space, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at district11@fortworthtexas.gov.
With humility and gratitude,
Jeanette Martinez
|
|
|
EXCITING NEW ARTWORK IS COMING TO
RIVERSIDE PARK THIS SPRING!
Fort Worth Public Art (FWPA) recently shared an update for "The Secret Language of Trees," a public art project designed by the Los Angeles-based Ball-Nogues Studio. The installation aims to transform the park’s pathways into a sprawling, abstract map of nature's hidden networks.
The project is centered around Riverside Park’s historic grove of pecan trees and represents their complex, unseen root systems. A colorful radial pattern will be applied to the existing concrete paths, with each pecan tree serving as a "center point" for a composition that radiates throughout the park.
While the large-scale artwork was slightly adapted from its original design to improve material adhesion, it remains visible to park visitors and drivers on Oakhurst Scenic Drive. The installation is anticipated to begin this spring.
Residents with questions regarding the project may contact Project Manager Alida Labbe at alabbe@artsfortworth.org.
Fort Worth Public Art is a program of the City of Fort Worth, managed by Arts Fort Worth. For information on other FWPA projects, visit https://fwpublicart.org/.
|
|
A RESIDENT’S GUIDE TO FORT WORTH PARKING RULES
Maintaining the charm and safety of our Fort Worth neighborhoods starts right at the curb.
To keep streets accessible and our lawns looking their best, here is a friendly reminder of our city’s parking ordinances:
• NO YARD PARKING: Vehicles must park in a driveway or paved parking spot. Parking in your front or side yard is prohibited, and parking citations can be issued for violating the ordinance.
• COMMERCIAL VEHICLES: Do not park oversized commercial vehicles on streets or property in residential zones. This includes dump trucks, semi-truck tractors, concrete mixing trucks, stake-bed trucks, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers, buses, and trailers. Vehicles longer than 20 feet, 7 feet wide, or more than 7 feet high are considered oversized.
• STREET PARKING: Street parking is allowed, however, not long-term storage, and your vehicle must not block a driveway, fire hydrant, or sidewalk. Even a slight overhang into a neighbor's driveway can be a violation. Vehicles must also be parked in the direction of traffic.
• JUNK VEHICLES: Abandoned or inoperable vehicles left on the street or on private are subject to being towed. Learn more about Junk vehicles.
Need to report an issue or ask a question? Residents can easily report parking violations or seek clarification through the MyFW app or by calling 817-392-1234.
|
|
|
GLOW IN THE PARK: THE FROST WORTH FESTIVAL HITS GATEWAY PARK!
The Fort Worth Parks Department invites you to attend the Frost Worth Festival! This community celebration is set to take over Gateway Park on January 17th and combines the charm of a winter market with the electricity of a late-night dance party; the event aims to bring neighbors together for an unforgettable night under the stars.
The festival kicks off with a Vendor Village full of local artists and unique items, activities for all ages, karaoke, and several food truck options.
Once the sun sets the DJ Glow Dance Party begins! Attendees are encouraged to "light up the night" with glow sticks and neon accessories.
Whether you’re coming for the shopping, the food, or the neon dance floor, the Frost Worth Festival is set to be the premier park event of the month.
Get your Frost Worth Festival tickets!
|
|
|
LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTERS PARTICIPATE IN
SENIOR SHARE PROGRAM
Did you know that some of our District 11 Community Centers participate in the Senior Share Program?!
This program provides essential groceries throughout the year for adults aged 60 and over who need assistance. If you or a loved one could benefit, please visit your local Community Center today.
Find a Community Center near you!
|
|
 NEW LIFE TAKES ROOT AT GID HOOPER PARK
Gid Hooper Park is looking a little greener following a successful community planting event held last month.
In a collaborative effort to revitalize the nearly 50-year-old neighborhood park, five new Crape Myrtle trees were added to the park’s landscape. The project was made possible through a partnership between Texas Blossoms and the United Riverside Neighborhood Association.
The addition of these trees is part of a broader mission by both organizations to enhance the natural beauty and environmental health of the area. Volunteers and District 11 staff worked side-by-side to plant the saplings, which are expected to provide colorful blooms and much-needed shade for park visitors for decades to come.
Thank you to Texas Blossoms and the United Riverside Neighborhood Association for taking on this project!
About the Park:
The 2.6 acre park is named for Gid Hooper (1883-1935), an African American real estate agent who at one time served as a school trustee for the black school in Tarrant County's Precinct #35 (Birdville). Hooper is buried in the People's Cemetery in Haltom City.
|
|
THE NUISANCE ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE
The City of Fort Worth has launched a pilot program called the Nuisance Enforcement Task Force (NET Force), a multi-departmental task force designed to clean up properties that have become magnets for crime, code violations, and neighborhood instability.
Three nuisance properties have been selected for the pilot program.
• Eco Motel, 3201 E. Lancaster Ave. (D11)
• Rocky’s I & II, 4250 & 4220 Hemphill St. (D11)
• Sandy Oak Apartments, 1525 Sandy Lane (D5)
These properties were selected due to repeated criminal activity, violations of building, health and fire codes; spillover crime, and their negative impact on the surrounding community.
The NET Task Force brings together the Police Department, Code Compliance, and the City Attorney’s Office. This allows the city to use "civil litigation" as a tool, forcing property owners to either fix the issues or face heavy fines and potential closure.
By cleaning up these "hot spots," the city aims to improve the overall quality of life for neighbors who have long dealt with the fallout of neglected properties.
THE WINTER READY GUIDE
It’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security when the Texas sun is still out and the temperatures feel more like spring than mid-winter. We’ve all seen how quickly the weather can pivot —going from a mild afternoon to a bone-chilling freeze in a matter of hours.
To help you get ready for cold weather we’ve put together tips on how to winterize your home and a list of local contacts to keep on hand.
Stop the Drafts
• Check for daylight around door frames. Use weatherstripping or door sweeps to seal gaps around doorframes.
• Switch your ceiling fans to clockwise mode.
• Set your thermostat at 68F while you are home, and drop it lower when you are sleeping or away. If you're leaving for vacation, never turn the heat completely off. Keep it set to at least 55F while you're gone.
Protect Your Pipes
• Disconnect all garden hoses and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Insulate pipes located in unheated areas
• Drip faucet in extreme cold.
Optimize Your Heating
• Replace your HVAC filters every 90 days.
• Ensure furniture and curtains aren't blocking your heat registers.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Important Contact Information
Fire Department non-emergency:
817-923–6699
Police Department non-emergency:
817-392-4222
Fort Worth Water Department for outages and main breaks:
817-392-4477
ONCOR power outages: 888-313-4465 or text “out” at 66267
Atmos Energy: 888-286-6700
|
DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR THAT?
Determining whether your weekend DIY project needs a permit depends largely on one question: Does it affect the safety, structure, or "bones" of the home?
The City’s Development Services Department requires permits to ensure work meets the International Residential Code (IRC) standards. While many minor upgrades are exempt, skipping a necessary permit can lead to fines, issues during home resale, or insurance denials.
Projects That DO NOT Require a Permit:
Generally, "cosmetic" or "maintenance" tasks that do not alter the home's structure or mechanical systems are exempt.
This typically includes projects such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, new cabinets, countertops, shelving, small area surface drywall repair, and replacing an existing faucet, sink, or ceiling fan (provided you aren't running new pipes or wires).
Projects That DO Require a Permit:
If you are adding square footage, moving walls, or touching "the trades" (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC), you almost certainly need a permit.
This typically includes projects such as foundation repairs, installation of water heaters, addition of outlets, electrical panel upgrades, carports, any home additions and accessory dwellings, etc.
The homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring permits are pulled. If a contractor tells you a permit "isn't necessary" for a major project, it is a red flag. Always verify through the Fort Worth Accela Citizen Access portal and utilize the Permit Assist Tool. You may also view the “Residential Permitting” webpage for a full list of projects requiring permits.
FORT WORTH MODERNIZES NON-EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The City of Fort Worth is upgrading how residents interact with city services by implementing a new, cloud-based communication system.
City officials can now track call volumes and common issues in real-time, allowing for better resource allocation and faster response times. For example, non-emergency calls (like potholes, street light outages, or code violations) are automatically directed to the correct department, bypassing the 911 dispatch center entirely.
The primary goal of this tech rollout is to reduce wait times and ensure emergency dispatchers can focus on life-safety calls. By streamlining the thousands of non-emergency calls received daily, the city is clearing the lines for genuine emergencies, potentially saving lives by reducing 911 hold times.
As always residents can still make reports via the call center at 817-392-1234 or via the MyFW App. Also, if you are experiencing a true emergency, please call 911.
|
|
Here are proposed zoning changes that will be coming before City Council in District 11 neighborhoods. To seize the opportunity for your voice to be heard, I encourage you to sign up for zoning notifications and attend upcoming Zoning Commission or the designated City Council Meetings. Sign up here. You can learn more about the Zoning process here.
|
|
|
|
POLY HEIGHTS SOUTH
Council Jan. 13
S. HEMPHILL HEIGHTS
Zoning Jan. 14
WORTH HEIGHTS
Zoning Jan. 14
|
|
JMSL
Zoning Jan. 14
VINTAGE RIVERSIDE
Zoning Jan. 14
|
|
POLY HEIGHTS SOUTH
Zoning Jan. 14
VINTAGE RIVERSIDE
Zoning Jan. 14
|
|
Check out what's going on at your local library!
|
|
My Fort Worth (MyFW) is the official app for residents and visitors to quickly and easily report issues to the City.
Users can provide a description, photos, and use a map-based location feature to submit issues like graffiti, missed garbage collection, potholes or high grass.
Requests will go directly to the appropriate city work team and users can follow the status of their report and receive notifications via the app.
Download the MyFW mobile app today: MyFW
|
|
|
CITY CALL CENTER
Fort Worth has added 311 to the list of ways to contact the City Call Center.
Residents are now able to call either 311 or the 10-digit number 817-392-1234 to reach City services. 311, a free nonemergency line, can only be dialed from a wireless device and must be called from within Fort Worth city limits.
|
|
|
2-1-1 TEXAS
2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is committed to helping individuals connect with the services they need. Whether by phone or internet, our goal is to present accurate, well-organized and easy-to-find information from state and local health and human services programs. 2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.
|
|
|
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can call or text 988 or chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
|
|
|
TEXAS EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH (TEHCY) PROGRAM
The TEHCY Program leads the way in ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness in Texas have equal access to a free and quality education under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. TEHCY provides critical leadership, resources, and support to help schools meet the unique needs of McKinney-Vento eligible students.
TEHCY Support Hotline
Families and educators can call 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM –3:30 PM
Intake Form: TEHCY Support Intake
|
|
|
 |
|
Was this forwarded to you? Make sure you don’t miss the next update—subscribe now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
